Title: Methods of treating aneurysmal dilatation, blood vessel wall weakness and specifically abdominal aortic and thoracic aneurysm using matrix metalloprotease-2 inhibitors.Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating aneurysmal dilatation, blood vessel wall weakness, and specifically abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracic aneurysm by inhibiting MMPs and ADAM-IO. Such compounds are useful in the in vitro study of the role of MMPs and ADAM-10 (and its inhibition) in biological processes. The present invention also comprises pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more MMPs or ADAM-10 inhibitors according to the invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Such compositions are useful for the treatment of aneurysmal dilatation or blood vessel wall weakness, for example abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracic aneurysm. The invention also comprises methods of treating aneurysmal dilatation or blood vessel wall weakness, for example abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracic aneurysm utilizing the compounds of the invention in conjunction with inhibitors of angiotensin II, including angiotensin II receptor blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and cyclophillin inhibitors. ...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of methods of use of agents that inhibit matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and methods of treatment of aneurysmal dilatation or blood vessel wall weakness, including abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracic aneurysm.

2. Summary of the Related Art

Cell-cell interactions play an important role in regulating cell fate decisions and pattern formation during the development of multicellular organisms. One of the evolutionarily conserved pathways that plays a central role in local cell interactions is mediated by the transmembrane receptors encoded by the Notch (N) gene of Drosophila, the lin-12 and glp-1 genes of C. elegans, and their vertebrate homologs (reviewed in Artavanis-Tsakonas, S., et al. (1995) Notch Signaling. Science 268, 225-232), collectively hereinafter referred to as NOTCH receptors. Several lines of evidence suggest that the proteolytic processing of NOTCH receptors is important for their function. For example, in addition to the full-length proteins, antibodies against the intracellular domains of NOTCH receptors have detected C-terminal fragments of 100-120 kd; see, e.g., Fehon, R. G., et al. (1990). Cell 61, 523-534; Crittenden, S. L., et al. (1994). Development 120, 2901-2911; Aster, J., et al. (1994) Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol. 59, 125-136; Zagouras, P., et al. (1995). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 6414-6418; and Kopan, R., et al. (1996). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 93, 1683-1688. However, the mechanism(s) of NOTCH activation have been hitherto largely unknown.

During neurogenesis, a single neural precursor is singled out from a group of equivalent cells through a lateral inhibition process in which the emerging neural precursor cell prevents its neighbors from taking on the same fate (reviewed in Simpson, P. (1990). Development 109, 509-519). Genetic studies in Drosophila have implicated a group of “neurogenic genes” including N in lateral inhibition. Loss-of-function mutations in any of the neurogenic genes result in hypertrophy of neural cells at the expense of epidermis “neurogenic genes” including N in lateral inhibition. Loss-of-function mutations in any of the neurogenic genes result in hypertrophy of neural cells at the expense of epidermis (reviewed in Campos-Ortega, J. A. (1993) In: The Development of Drosophila melanogaster M. Bate and A. Martinez-Arias, eds. pp. 1091-1129. Cold Spring Harbor Press).

Vertebrate homologs of kuz have been isolated in Xenopus, bovine, mouse, rat and human. The bovine homolog of KUZ (also called MADM or ADAM 10) was initially isolated serendipitously based on its in vitro proteolytic activity on myelin basic protein, a cytoplasmic protein that is unlikely the physiological substrate for the bovine KUZ protease (Howard et al., 1996 Biochem. J. 317, 45-50). Expression of a dominant negative form of the murine kuz homolog (mkuz) in Xenopus leads to the generation of extra neurons, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved role for mkuz in regulating Notch signaling in vertebrate neurogenesis (Pan and Rubin, 1997). U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/697,854, to Pan et al., filed Oct. 27, 2000, discloses that mkuz mutant mice die around embryonic day (E) 9.5, with severe defects in the nervous system, the paraxial mesoderm and the yolk sac vasculature. In the nervous system, mkuz mutant embryos show ectopic neuronal differentiation. In the paraxial mesoderm, mkuz mutant embryos show delayed and uncoordinated segmentation of the somites. These phenotypes are similar to those of mice lacking Notch-1 or components of the Notch pathway such as RBP-Jk (Conlon et al, 1995, Development 121, 1533-1545; Oka et al., 1995), indicating a conserved role for mkuz in modulating Notch signaling in mouse development. Furthermore, no visible defect was detected in Notch processing in the kuz knockout animals. In addition to the neurogenesis and somitogenesis defect, mkuz mutant mice also show severe defects in the yolk sac vasculature, with an enlarged and disordered capillary plexus and the absence of large vitelline vessels. Since such phenotype has not been observed in mice lacking Notch-1 or RBP-Jk (Swiatek et al., 1994 Genes Dev 15, 707-719; Conlon et al, 1995; Oka et al., 1995 Development 121, 3291-3301), Pan et al. determined that this phenotype reveals a novel function of mkuz that is distinct from its role in modulating Notch signaling, specifically, that kuz plays an essential role for an ADAM family disintegrin metalloprotease in mammalian angiogenesis.

In view of the important role of KUZ (ADAM-10) in biological processes and disease states, inhibitors of this protein are desirable, particularly small molecule inhibitors.

Matrix metalloproteinases, or MMPs, are endopepitidases that are collectively capable of degrading all kinds of extracellular matrix proteins, but can also process a number of bioactive molecules. MMPs are thought to play a major role in cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and host defense. MMPs break down elastin and interstitial collagens, which are important in maintaining the strength and elasticity of the aortic wall.

An aneurysm is a localized, blood-filled dilitation (balloon-like bulge) of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall. As the size of an aneurysm increases, there is an increased risk of rupture, which can result in severe hemorrhage or other complications including sudden death. Abdominal aortic aneurysms, which are weaknesses in the abdominal aortic walls, occur in up to 9% of adults older than 65 years of age, and the rupture of these aneurysms accounts for about 15,000 deaths per year in the United States (Weintraub, 2009 NEJM, 361; 11, 1114-1116). Currently, it is the standard practice to aggressively treat hypertension and hyperlipidemia in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms because these conditions are risk factors for such aneurysms; but such aggressive therapies have little effect on aneurysm growth or rupture.

Studies have suggested that selective inhibition of matrix metalloproteases is important. A number of small molecule matrix metalloprotease inhibitors (MMPI's) have progressed into the clinic for cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, for example. Inhibition of MMP-1 has been implicated as the cause of side effects such as joint pain and tendonitis when unselective TACE inhibitors were employed (see Barlaam, B. et. al. J. Med. Chem. 1999, 42, 4890). As well, clinical trials of broad spectrum MMP inhibitors, such as “Marimastat,” have been hampered due to musculoskeletal syndrome (MSS) which manifests as musculoskeletal pain after a few weeks treatment. Inhibition of MMP-1 has been suggested as having a role in the appearance of MSS. Recent efforts in the field have been directed toward design of “MMP-1 sparing” inhibitors; for example, BA-129566 emerged as a selective inhibitor which reportedly showed no signs of MSS in phase 2 clinical trials (see Natchus, M. G. et. Al. J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 4948).

Thus, there is a need for selective matrix metalloprotease inhibitors.

All patents, applications, and publications recited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the effect of treatment in mice with increasing doses of the experimental agent via daily gavage on aortic dilation 14 days following isolated aortic elastase perfusion. Results are reported as Mean±SE. Data was compared with ANOVA using Tukey's correction for multiple comparisons among the treatment groups. Significant differences are indicated by a line connecting the two groups with a significance value over the line. All significant (P<0.05) comparisons are shown.

FIG. 2 shows data described in FIG. 1 shown in Box and Whisker plot format. Increasing doses of the experimental affect the median % ΔAD at 14 days following isolated aortic perfusion.

In embodiment 1, the invention comprises a method of treating aneurysmal dilatation and blood vessel wall weakness, including abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aneurysms, comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of structural formula I:

R1 is —H, —OR11, —(CH2)nR11, —C(O)R11, or —NR12R13;
R11, R12, and R13 independently are
a) R50;
b) saturated or mono- or poly-unsaturated C5-C14-mono- or fused poly-cyclic hydrocarbyl, optionally containing one or two annular heteroatoms per ring and optionally substituted with one or two R50 substituents;
c) C1-C6-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl, C2-C6-alkynyl, or —C(O)H, each of which is optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents independently selected from R50 and saturated or mono- or poly-unsaturated C5-C14-mono- or fused poly-cyclic hydrocarbyl, optionally containing one or two annular heteroatoms per ring and optionally substituted with one, two or three R50 substituents;
or R12 and R13 together with the N to which they are covalently bound, a C5-C6 heterocycle optionally containing a second annular heteroatom and optionally substituted with one or two R50 substituents;

R2 is —R21-L2-R22;
R21 is saturated or mono- or poly-unsaturated C5-C14-mono- or fused poly-cyclic hydrocarbyl, optionally containing one or two annular heteroatoms per ring and optionally substituted with one, two, or three R50 substituents;
L2 is —O—, —C(O)—, —CH2—, —NH—, —S(O2)— or a direct bond;
R22 is saturated or mono- or poly-unsaturated C5-C14-mono- or fused poly-cyclic hydrocarbyl, optionally containing one or two annular heteroatoms per ring and optionally substituted with one, two, or three R50 substituents; and

provided that an O or S is not singly bonded to another O or S in a chain of atoms.

In embodiment 2, the invention comprises the method according to embodiment 1 wherein L1 is —C(O)— or —S(O)2—.

In embodiment 3, the invention comprises the method according to embodiment 2 wherein L1 is —C(O)— and R1 is —OR11 or —(CH2)nR11, —OC1-C6alkyl-mono-C1-C6alkyl amino, —OC1-C6alkyl-di-C1-C6alkyl amino, —OC1-C6alkyl-N-heterocyclyl, —C1-C6alkyl-mono-C1-C6alkyl amino, —C1-C6alkyl-di-C1-C6alkyl amino, or —C1-C6alkyl-N-heterocyclyl. In a more specific example, R1 is C1-C6-alkoxy-C1-C6-alkoxy; and in a still more specific example R1 is methoxyethoxy.

In embodiment 4, the invention comprises the method according to embodiment 3 wherein, L1 is —S(O)2—, and R1 is —NR12R13, —(CH2)nR11, —C1-C6alkyl-mono-C1-C6alkyl amino, —C1-C6alkyl-di-C1-C6alkyl amino, or —C1-C6alkyl-N-heterocyclyl.

In embodiment 5, the invention comprises the method according to embodiments 3 or 4, wherein L2 is —O—.

In embodiment 6, the invention comprises the method according to embodiment 5, R2 is phenoxyphenyl wherein each phenyl is optionally substituted with one or two R50 substituents. In a more specific example, the R50 substituents are halo.

In embodiment 7, the invention comprises the method according to embodiment 6, wherein the saturated or mono- or poly-unsaturated C5-C14-mono- or fused poly-cyclic hydrocarbyl containing one or two annular heteroatoms per ring is selected from the group consisting of morpholinyl, piperazinyl, homopiperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, homopiperidinyl, furyl, thienyl, pyranyl, isobenzofuranyl, chromenyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, oxadiazolyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, carbazolyl, acrydinyl, and furazanyl, optionally substituted with one or two R50 substituents.

In embodiment 8, the invention comprises the method according to embodiment 6, wherein R12 and R13, together with the N to which they are covalently bound, form a heterocycle selected from the group consisting of morpholinyl, piperazinyl, homopiperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, homopiperidinyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, oxadiazolyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, carbazolyl, acrydinyl, and furazanyl, optionally substituted with one or two R50 substituents.

In embodiment 9, the invention comprises the method utilizing the compound according to embodiment 1, having the absolute stereochemistry of structural formula II:

In embodiment 10, the invention comprises the method according to embodiment 1, wherein the compound has the absolute stereochemistry of structural formula III:

In embodiment 11, the invention comprises the method according to embodiment 1, wherein -L1-R1 is selected from Table 1;

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